The Memphis Flyer, week after week for 37 years, has always had an ear to the ground and an eye on the street in this city, a cultural hub for the entire Mid-South. Our annual Best of Memphis poll is the ultimate example of that. We solicit our readers’ opinions about all the things that make this city a magnet for creatives and consumers far and wide, and now we can reveal the results: the best of the best in 2026, as chosen by you, the folks who really know the 901.
Winners who dominated their respective categories are noted with a special “BOM” designation. If there are any ties, we tip our hats to both winners. Please remember, these results reflect our readers’ nominations and final votes — the Flyer is only the messenger. We respect all the businesses, creatives, and public personalities who have won or placed, and you should, too! Want to tip your hat to them personally? Grab tickets to our BOM 2026 party at Loflin Yard this Wednesday, September 23rd, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., featuring entertainment by Black Cream and Star & Micey.
Shara Clark, Michael Donahue, Alex Greene, Kailynn Johnson, Chris McCoy, Toby Sells, Jon W. Sparks, and Bruce VanWyngarden filled in the results with details about the winners, and they’ve also noted a few staff picks of their own. Carrie Beasley made it all look easy on the eyes, and our cover photograph of Best of Memphis winner DJ A.D. is by Jamie Harmon.
Many thanks to our readers who voted, our advertisers who keep the Flyer free, and our winners who keep Memphis awesome!
